Daniela's Story

by Daniela Garcia JacquesMay 12, 2018

I am Daniela Jacques: a U.S based, Mexican/French fashion designer with a passion for writing, photography, and videography. My passions are traveling and learning about people and their traditions. In 2019, my clothing line will launch, and the inspirations are colors, architecture and styles I have seen around the world. I believe in the power of positive thinking and want to build a community to inspire others to be self-fulfilled and accomplish their dreams.

My life began in a small apartment in Mexico City. My mother was my first true inspiration: She raised my two brothers and myself single-handed. At an early age, I strived academic excellence and scholarships to minimize financial burden on my mom to support my education. Given the hardships we endured during childhood, my mother was dedicated to successfully raising my brothers and myself to the utmost standard. She would wake up at the crack of dawn, and would work additional jobs, including selling women’s accessories, flowers, gifts and handcrafts for extra income.

I remember spending my free time drawing, knitting or making arts and crafts. My childhood persona knew I was destined to pursue a career in arts, although as you will see, my adult self would not decipher the solution until recent times. When the time came for me to go to the university, those that were dearest to me were able to aid me financially: My mother and my church. My success was not possible without their support. I left Mexico City and embarked on an adventure and arrived to an unfamiliar place: Utah, USA. Like any other immigrant, I wanted to chase the American dream. I toiled endlessly on top of my studies to gain scholarships. My first job was as a football stadium vendor, it was one of the highest paid jobs at $8.00 the hour, which required walking up and down the bleachers while carrying a tray full of 20 oz sodas.

Finally, I decided to choose a career as a “Food Scientist”. You may have thought I was striving for a major in the arts, but I was not. There were many reasons for me to choose this career and here are a few of them:

I wanted to aid hungry kids in the world (I thought I would develop this pill or formula for them).

I wanted a successful career to provide my mom the life she deserved.

I wanted to benefit the U.S as a scientist instead of an artist.

With the above reasons in mind, I studied endlessly. Multiple job opportunities emerged in the food science department at the university, including one particular position, working for the chairman. Ultimately, I graduated with honors and a job offer in my hands.

I spent the next chapter of my life as a management trainee, supervisor, associate scientist and scientist for a large food manufacturing company. Many mentors emerged in my life and educated me in human behavior, which led to my success in managing a team of 50 people at age of 22, of whom most were superiors in age. My first years were physically and mentally demanding, but this taught me endurance and perseverance. My great mentors taught me common sense and educated me not only on the technical but also practical aspects of the job. My more recent years involved travel to many regions, both domestic and international. This allowed me to meet a diverse array of individuals, including owners of multi-billion-dollar companies and the amazing personalities that make the business run.

Little did I know that my life would not feel fulfilled. I was missing one of the goals I had in life: helping others. Now that I look back, I was only partially fulfilling my goals in life. A void still existed in my heart that involved truly helping and impacting others in a positive way (have you ever had those thoughts?). This is when I decided it was time for me to make an impactful change in my life. I finally realized what my childhood persona knew all along, I was meant to be an artist.

Here began my journey to educate myself in fashion design and prepare for a career change. My world saturated itself with mentors who helped me accomplish my goals. It was tough to decide between leaving my career I knew so well to take the risk of following my dreams. I decided that at the end of the day you must do what makes you happy. Life is too short, and we must live it to the fullest. If you can relate, please listen to your inner child and you will know what to do to fulfill your life’s desire!

One of my mentors said this to me “What is your why? If you don’t have a strong why you will never be successful in your business”. My “why” is that I want to help people and I want to be happy while doing it. I thought I would be able to help people as a scientist, but the truth is that I was never going to be able to satisfy this ambition working in this industry. Now I want to do my best to help the people in the countries that have given me so much - The U.S and Mexico. This will be accomplished by satisfying my passion for fashion. I will bring Jaxodyssey to the forefront in Los Angeles, California, where I chose a manufacturing facility that gives opportunities to diverse groups of people (including immigrants like myself) and provides fair treatment and working hours to their employees. I am so happy to be able to make my brand in the U.S. while employing a team of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

I will do whatever it takes to provide beautiful, unique, functional and comfortable clothes to women who are go-getters. Women who will pursue their goals and turn them into reality. The Jaxodyssey woman loves learning new things and exploring new places. As Yves Saint Laurent said- “What is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.” That being said, it took me sometime to figure out my true goal in life. If this sounds familiar, please do not give up. There will be times you doubt yourself but trust me you will figure it out and succeed. Its all about the right timing and perseverance. I am just hoping I can help you a little bit or a lot throughout your journey. I would like you to feel confident and powerful when you wear my designs but also humble and happy to exist on this amazing planet.

Talking about planet, I want to incorporate sustainable materials as often as possible. I will also focus on affiliating with various charity groups. As the company grows it would be great to provide more jobs to those in need. Let me know if you can relate to my story, and I would love to hear yours too! Send me your comments below and thank you so much for being part of this Jaxodyssey journey and adventure!

Congratulations my friend, I am so happy and proud of you. Glad to see how fast you are following your dreams. Good luck and your friends are always there to support you💕

KrupaliJuly 11, 2018

You are making all the Latino community proud! I love your inspiration and desire to pursue your dreams. You have the talent and the will power to succeed.

MarielaJuly 11, 2018

A big congratulations & good luck on your new business venture. Your creativity and courage have led you to start this and I am so proud of you. I truly believe that your hard work and perseverance will lead to the success of this business. Always there to support you in every way I can. Best Wishes.